We have all fantasised about doing what Greg Smith did when he left Goldman Sachs and blasted his former employer with a savage diatribe in the New York Times. But it is best not to succumb to such self-righteousness because it reflects badly on you, no matter how justified the accusations. And you're probably not saying anything people don't already know.
Workers come and go in Hong Kong. And if you work in the news media, the attrition rate is even higher. I have seen my share of angry parting shots fired by colleagues who left under less than cordial terms. Their messages all have one thing in common with Smith's: the insufferable holier than thou tone. My guess is that this was the universal reaction of his former Goldman Sachs colleagues to the letter: who does he think he is and why didn't he say anything when he was working here and could make a difference?
The subtext of such messages sent by angry former employees is always: I am better than all of you who stay behind and I am leaving for something better. Sometimes, the one-off diatribe extends into a new career. This is especially prevalent among top civil servants in Hong Kong.
While working in government, they have nary a bad word to say against their bosses. But as soon as their multimillion-dollar pension payout is secure, they call their favourite newspaper editor, get a regular column and instantly become the government's most merciless critics.
So, my favourite parting words? Thanks, and let's stay in touch. It's false, but there is something to be said for fake humility.
